Your Bowtech Tutor

Juliana Allen, B.T.A.A. 4763 & B.C.N.T. 00029

How does the Bowen Technique (Bowtech) Work?

Simply stated, the Bowen Technique resets the body to heal itself. The work consists of a series of gently rolling connective tissue moves, using a light touch and may be done through clothing. There are frequent important pauses between these moves, which give the body time to benefit from each set. By combining moves, both in placement and in combination, the practitioner is able to address the body as a whole or target a specific problem. A unique tool of the Bowen practitioner is "tissue tension sense," meaning the practitioner is able to discern stress buildup in muscle groups and then utilize Bowen moves to release that stress.

The Bowen Technique balances and stimulates energy flows, resulting in a deep sense of overall relaxation. The restorative process begins once the body is relaxed, and continues as the body allows. Healing seems to occcur by affecting the body's autonomic nervous system, which creates homeostasis at the cellular level.

The Bowen Technique is referred to as a "complementary" modality. This means it will enhance and complement - not interfere with - other medical attention. However, doing other manipulative therapies immediately after a Bowen session can undermine the effectiveness of the continuing Bowen work. Waiting a week before commencing additional body treatment is therefore recommended.

Understanding The Bowen Technique

History of Bowen

Thomas A. Bowen (1916-1982) developed this technique in Geelong, Victoria. After serving in World War II, Bowen became interested in ways to alleviate human suffering. He began to notice that when he made certain moves on the body, it had particular effects. The technique is unique in that it was developed without Bowen having any previous training in any modality or discipline; in fact, he frequently stated that his work was, Simply a gift from God. Over a period of several years he developed the system as it is used today.

Bowen was extremely busy in his clinic, as was verified by the 1975 Victorian government inquiry into alternative health care professionals. The study documented Bowen seeing some 13,000 patients per year as assessed over a 27-week period. Considering treatments were seven days apart and most people needed only two or three treatments, that was an amazing number of clients per year.

In 1974, while attending a National Health Conference in Adelaide, Australia, he was introduced to massage therapist Oswald Rentsch. Although Rentsch knew nothing of Bowen's work, he spontaneously asked if he could train with Bowen. Bowen subsequently invited Rentsch to Geelong to study with him and over the next two and a half years he studied Bowen's technique, watching and learning from him.

Ultimately, Bowen authorized Oswald and Elaine Rentsch to document his work, as he had no notes, charts or manual the Rentschs could copy. With the help of Bowen's receptionist, Rene Horwood, they produced a true representation of Bowen s original technique.

The Rentschs began utilizing Bowen's methods in their own clinic in Hamilton, Victoria, Australia. At his request, it was not until Bowen's death that the Rentschs began teaching his technique.

The first seminar was held in Perth, Australia, in 1986, and by 1990, the Rentschs were teaching full time. Since that time, they have introduced the Bowen Technique throughout Australia, New Zealand, North America and the United Kingdom, and practitioners use this amazing healing modality world wide.

Because this technique is so effective, it has been widely embraced by a broad spectrum of people. Healing professionals have been impressed by the capabilities of a Bowen treatment and the diversity of problems addressed. It has been so successful that in 1994, the Rentschs implemented a Teacher Training Program, with seminars being held regularly.

The Teaching Of Bowen Therapy

Everyone teaching or portraying to teach the Bowen Technique today has been taught by the original presenters Ossie and Elaine Rentsch or through their lineage. They are the people responsible for releasing this work to the world and are recognised as being the foremost knowledgeable people on Mr Tom Bowen's original work.

Tom Bowen commissioned the Rentsch's to teach this work when he passed away

Who therefore are really qualified to assess the standard of teachers throughout the world? The answer has to be the official home of Bowen; The Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia. This is where it all began.

Bowtech Pty Ltd Australia was established in 1987 and has since traded as The Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia around the world with the trade name Bowtech. Bowtech Australia has highly skilled and trained teachers working under the parent company in Australia, England, Eire, Scotland, Northern Ireland, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Austria, France and Italy and now Hong Kong. Further countries will be included in the near future.

As in many other therapies, some splinter groups have broken away from the BTAA. What of these?

Dr Kevin Ryan, an Osteopath of Geelong, Australia, one of the five original students of Tom Bowen's writes of 'altered versions' of Mr Bowen's work with 'whiz-bang' names popping up all over the place. His warning to the originators of these techniques, so-called 'based' on Tom's work is

'I ask these originators to please be honest about this, and not fall into the trap of using Tom's name and reputation to promote their own achievements'

Bowtech Australia is extremely proud of this amazing success story of sharing throughout the world, the legacy of the healing began by Tom Bowen.

The Curriculum

The Bowtech procedures are taught in seven modules, each 16 classroom hours long. The modules must be taken in sequence because each one reviews and builds on what was taught previously. These modules are generally taught in two consecutive days each, over a period of six months or more, with a maximum of two modules taught back-to-back.

The last seminar, "Module 7," is a thorough assessment of the material taught in the first six modules. Requirements for taking Module 7 include satisfactory completion of the written assessments and case study requirements at Modules 3 through 6, and waiting at least one month after Module 6.

The content of each module is standard in every country where BTAA-accredited instructors teach. This means that you can travel and study with any combination of BTAA-accredited instructors and be assured that you will have learned the same procedures as all of your classmates, regardless of their previous instructors.

Every module includes:

Practical and written assessments, with individual feedback, are given in Modules 3 through 6. You will also be required to submit written case studies (a total of ten) in those modules; and you will receive feedback from the instructor on your choice of procedures, the amount of work done, and other aspects of your work as indicated in your reports.

Module 7 is a full two-day assessment by a senior instructor, covering all procedures and aspects taught in the first six modules.
Accreditation as a practitioner requires passing the Module 7 assessment and submitting proof of three additional requirements:

Modules 1-7 must be taken in consecutive order

the largest International Bowen organisation
in the world www.bowtech.com